THE PULSE. 127 



especially where such cause may be of a continuous kind, and 

 where the probability of its removal may exist; or for the purpose 

 of preventing other animals contiguously situated from being 

 affected in a similar manner, as in Glanders. A knowledge of the 

 cause of a disease is in every case a matter of importance, 

 but more especially in traumatic diseases, or diseases which 

 have their origin from causes of a mechanical nature. 



In idiopathic diseases, however, this in most instances will 

 be found impracticable. In Idiopathic Pneumonia, for example, 

 the removal of its cause is out of our power. The disease 

 may have arisen from exposing the animal to wet, and to cold 

 draughts of wind. All we can do in cases of this nature, is to 

 remove the patient into more congenial circumstances, and cure 

 the disease in the best mode available. In like manner we may 

 remark upon nearly every cause of disease of an idiopathic 

 kind. The search for, and removal of causes is, we repeat, the 

 the most practicable in traumatic diseases. Injury is inflicted 

 upon a part endowed with life, but in what way does, or has the 

 external agent produced the disturbance ? Has the off'ending 

 body injured the part by entering into the structures, and there 

 remaining, as when a foot inflames, and lameness ensues 

 from the entrance of a nail into its sole ? If the injury be 

 within a fleshy part, are splinters of wood, or pieces of metal, 

 or pieces of glass within ? AVhere practicable, the cause must 

 be removed, and the patient so placed as to be in a position 

 favourable to recovery ; but where the removal of the former is 

 impracticable, the latter will equally require attention. 



The Pulse. — One of the principal guides indicative of the 

 internal state of the animal, whether in health or during the 

 existence of disease, is the pulse. "Whatever afiects the organism 

 will affect the pulse. As the hands of a clock are indicative of 



